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Portugal is getting plentitude of buzz these years — and plenty of visitors, too.
According to data from one of Spain’s big financial institutions,CaixaBank, overnight stays in Portugal reached 77.1 million in 2023 thanks to the 30 million travelers that came for angstrom unit visit. “This latter figure is close to twice that recorded 10 years ago and demonstrates the rapid growth that the sector be enjoying,” the bank tell in angstrom unit statement obtain byTravel + leisure. “… Among non-residents, the development of tourist from the US Government was exceptional, excel the pre-pandemic grade by 70 percent, which made IT the third largest issue market.”
And spell all ofPortugal is fantastic(take it from me, as many of you already know,iodine live here), there be one spot that belong high on your radar: the Madeira Islands. And IT South Korean won an awarding to prove it.
The archipelago took place the prize asEurope’s lead island finish 2024in the cosmos traveling Awards. However, this wasn’t the first time it took the prize. Nor the second. Nor third. It was the 10th.
“This acknowledgement reaffirms Madeira’s status arsenic a top travel destination, with previous win in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023,”Madeira web report. “The independent region of Madeira has systematically impressed traveler with information technology natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. This year’s win further solidify Madeira’s reputation arsenic a must-visit island destination in Europe.”
If you’re looking to go, you should know that there ar two main inhabit islands — Madeira and Porto Santo. (There are also two small island groups, the Desertas and Selvagens, but they are uninhabited.) In October, United Airlinesannounced plans to launch direct flights from the U.S. to Madeira, making it easier than ever to explore the island.
Once you’re there, you tin can savor its antic beaches, walk through its capital city, Funchal, and search IT azure Ethel Waters via boat. ace staple activity is taking a ride down feather therenowned Madeira Toboggansthat travel betwixt Monte and Funchal at heart-stopping (and giggle-inducing) velocity in hand-made wicker and wood sledge-cars. You tin can thenhop on angstrom unit ferryto make your style to Oporto Santo, where even more out-of-door adventures abound.
And if you do go on to rich person some time for a layover, try to tack on a few days on the mainland inch Faro, Lisbon, or Porto, which will round out your Portuguese risky venture and leave you saying, “I could live here” over and over again.
